New Orleans Hornets' Tyson Chandler is back in a big way

After rejoining the Hornets last week after his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder was rescinded for failing his physical examination, center Tyson Chandler said nothing had to be cleared up involving his teammates and coaches.

However, Chandler said Hornets' management wanted to be assured he would play at the same level he had before a sprained left ankle forced him to miss 16 consecutive games.
"I think it was more a conversation how I felt and seeing where my head was,"

Chandler said before the Hornets' 90-87 win against the Detroit Pistons at the New Orleans Arena. "I don't hold grudges, but I don't forget things easily either. I play for my family, and the guys in this locker room, coaching staff and fans."

Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower, who initiated the trade that involved Chandler going to the Thunder in exchange for Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox and the drafts rights of DeVon Hardin on Feb. 18, said Chandler and his agent were cooperative before the trade occurred and when the deal was rescinded.

Chandler started his second consecutive game Wednesday night. In his first game back since Jan. 19, Chandler scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in New Orleans' 112-105 victory at Sacramento on Monday night. He finished with 10 points and 17 rebounds against the Pistons.

Chandler rejoined teammates last Thursday after boarding the team's chartered flight to Los Angeles. He did not play against the Lakers on Friday night or against Utah on Saturday night.

"He came on the plane. The first thing he said was you all can't get rid of me, and everybody just laughed," Hornets Coach Byron Scott said. "I think everything from that point was cool. I don't think he will be the first player or won't be the last to be traded, then rescinded and have some ill feelings toward management."

Despite playing effectively the previous two games and again becoming vital in the Hornets' possible playoff hopes, Chandler said there is a possibility he could be traded during the offseason to help reduce the Hornets' $76 million payroll that would be above the luxury tax threshold that is expected to be lower than this season's $71.1 million.

"I just feel like it's definitely a possibility," Chandler said. "If you were to ask me this last year, I would say no way. Now, I say it's a very high chance. You just don't know. That part is tough, because you only get a window of opportunity in this league to win championship.

"Our opportunity is small, and I might not get this shot in my career again. That's why you have to take every moment for what it is. You never know what might happen after that."

Chandler said he slightly tweaked his left ankle Monday night, but he continued playing against the Kings.

"It got a little sore, and I'll see over these next couple of games how it reacts," he said.

STILL INTERESTED? There is a chance the Hornets still could be interested in obtaining Smith if the Thunder agree to buy out his contract, which would make him a free agent to join any team.

Scott did not mention Smith before Wednesday's game, but when asked if he would be comfortable adding an additional player to the roster, Scott said: "If the part is right he wouldn't hesitate to tell Jeff to make the move."

IVERSON TAKES A SEAT: After playing a little more than eight minutes, Detroit guard Allen Iverson did not return after complaining of having a stiff back.

He finished with two points on 1-of-4 shooting.

The Pistons have struggled since acquiring Iverson in a trade in November with the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Chauncey Billups, and they are on a eight-game losing streak.

"We're not a team that can overcome many mistakes," Detroit Coach Michael Curry said. "We just got to limit our mistakes. I think we can sit here and talk about styles all day, but we have different players on this team.

"Allen is better in the open style. So if you ask Allen what style you want to play, he'd probably say get up and down the floor. As a coaching staff, we're trying to put guys in position to be successful. You can't ask Rasheed (Wallace) and (Antonio) McDyess to run with Allen all the time."

Iverson said during the All-Star weekend in Phoenix earlier this month that s he should be the focal point of the offense because it provides Detroit its best chance to win.

"I can't help my team if I can't play the way I play," said Iverson, whose 18.3-point
scoring average is a career low. "Obviously, I'm not concerned about scoring a bunch of points. I've done all that."

WALLACE EJECTED: Wallace was ejected in the fourth quarter against New Orleans after he threw two towels into the stands and another on the court in the direction of one of the game officials.

GETTING CLOSE? Backup shooting guard Morris Peterson missed his 14th consecutive game, but Scott said he plans to meet with trainer Terry Kofler today to determine how close Peterson is toward returning.